Review: There's plenty to get excited about on this selection of 'lost mixes' from the vast back catalogue of Toy Tonics' parent label, Gomma. Check first Pete Herbert and Tristan Dan Cunha's retro-futurist, proto-house-meets-Balearic nu-disco rework of The Glimmers' 'U Rocked My World', before moving on to In Flagranti's all-action, peak-time ready take on Golden Bug's 'LookLookLook'. The Ep continues via a now 22 year-old rework of Leroy Hanghofer's 'Pin' by Jacques Lu Cont and John Burillo - a brilliantly low-slung house workout featuring punk-funk bass and colourful boogie synth flourishes - before concluding with a killer dub disco take on the KDMS' 'Never Stop Believing' courtesy of NYC disco original Nicky Siano.
The Glimmers - "U Rocked My World" (Pete Herbert & Tristan Da Cunha remix) - (7:31) 125 BPM
Nancy Whang & Etienne De Crecy - "Comme Un Aigle" - (4:12) 105 BPM
GB's - "Lucky In Vichy" - (9:19) 116 BPM
Review: On this second volume in their ongoing Disco Jams series, Gomma has decided to focus on tracks that ripple with the synthesizer-heavy sunshine sheen of nu-disco. Of course, there are still nods towards low-slung dub disco - see he spiraling synthesizers, electric bass and trippy electronics of the GB's "Lucky in Vichy" - but for the most part it's a rubbery, positive and heavily electronic affair. We're particularly enjoying the warehouse nu-disco strut of Pete Herbert and Tristan da Cunha's remix of the Glimmers "U Rocked My World" and authentic '80s P-funk bounce of Munk's "Down in L.A" (as remixed by Shazam), though the slow and spacey synth-pop of Nancy Whang and Etienne de Crecy's "Comme Un Aigle" is almost as impressive.
Review: Ten years ago, Eskimo Recordings emerged from Ghent, as an outlet for mix albums from hometown heroes the Glimmers. Since then, the label has gone on to be a leading light on the nu-disco and nu Balearic scenes. Fittingly, this expansive tenth anniversary set was put together by the Glimmers, and features two solo DJ mixes featuring label highlights aplenty. For DJs, the real bonus is the huge selection of unmixed tracks on display, which adeptly showcases the depth and variety of the label's output. Highlights are plentiful, from the woozy Scandolearic vibes of Lindstrom & Prins Thomas and brilliance of early Aeroplane, to the sun-bright dream pop of Hiem, and the bouncing dancefloor groovery of LHAS Inc.
